Mariners Vs. Baltimore

The talented but inury-prone lefty Erik Bedard has been great this year (when healthy). But you know what? The trade that sent reliever George Sherrill, outfielder Adam Jones, and a trio of talented minor leaguers to Baltimore in exchange for the soon-to-be free agent still ranks as one of the worst in Mariner history. Why? The 23-year-old Jones is starting to live up to the expectations of those who had him pegged as Willie Mays reincarnate. If he were still a Mariner, Jones would be leading the offensively-anemic team in batting average and runs batted in. As for Sherrill, J.J. Putzs onetime set-up man whos now Baltimores closer, the bullpen certainly wouldnt kick him out of the sack, especially in light of Brandon Morrows recent struggles. And lets not forget about Chris Tillman, a promising starting pitcher whos tearing it up in Baltimores minor league system. So unless the 30-year-old Bedard remains a Mariner for the next half-dozen years, guiding the team back to elite status through a series of healthy, 17-plus win, 200-plus strikeout seasons, this onell remain the dud it looked to be last year. With the Orioles in town through Wednesday, itll give Mariner fans a uniquely frustrating glimpse at what could have been their future. MIKE SEELY